Russia launches second battleship for India

Moscow, Jun 24: Russia launched the second stealth warship for India on Thursday, Jun 24. This is the second among the three battleships under the deal worth $1.6 billion signed in Jul 2006.

The second cruiser, Tarkash (Quiver) was launched through a ceremony in Russia's Baltic exclave of Kaliningrad. The launching ceremony was attended by the top Russian and Indian Navy officials, informed the state-owned Yantar Shipyard.

The first vessel, Project 11356 (modified Krivak III) frigates, known by the name 'The Teg' (Sword) was launched in Nov, 2009. The third frigate, Trikand (Bow) is due to be delivered in 2011-12.

The new cruisers, also known as Talwar Class will be equipped with eight BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles. They will also be armed with a 100-mm gun, a Shtil surface-to-air missile system, two Kashtan air-defence gun/missile systems, two twin 533-mm torpedo launchers, and an antisubmarine warfare (ASW) helicopter.